Combination package and toy



Feb. 14, 1967 ABESQN 3,303,603

COMBINATION PACKAGE AND TOY Filed July 18, 1963 FIG.1

INVENTOR. Marion Abeson ATTORNEY United States Patent This inventionrelates to a package for flat objects such as records, books or thelike; such package being formed of a laminate which allows the packageto be converted into a three dimensional toy.

While records and the like are packaged in various forms of envelopesand the like; such packages must be augmented considerably when thepackaged record is to be shipped and various corrugated board fillersand stiffeners must be associated with the envelope to prevent breakageof the contents of the envelope.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improvedpackage for a record or the like, which is derived from a single sheetof composite material and adapted to be folded into a compact, damageresistant container.

Normally, conventional packages or envelopes for records are usable onlyas containers for the records and do not have any other function. Afurther object of this invention is to provide an improved package forrecords which in addition to holding the record and protecting the sameagainst damage; also may be used as a threedimensional toy such as astage or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved package ofthe character described which is formed of a flexible laminate of metalfoil and cushioning material whereby to afford maximized protection tothe contents thereof against breakage or damage due to heat, moisture orother environmental factors; such laminate further being of a characterto allow the elements of the package to be manipulated into variousthree-dimensional relationships to form a stage or the like, and toretain such spatial relationships.

Still another objection of this invention is to provide an improvedpackage for records or the like which comprises a blank of laminatedmetal foil and polyurethane foam having a series of hingedly connectedpanel portions which are foldable relative to a compartment portionholding the record to form a compact protective package for such record;the panel portions being unfolded to open the package and to gain accessto the packaged record, the unfolded panel portions being adapted to bemanipulated into selected relative spatial positions to form desiredthree dimensional structures simulating stages or the like.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide an improved packagefor childrens records or books which package includes structural detailspermitting a child to readily and quickly convert the same to variousthreedimensional forms to provide toy stages or the like.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a package of thecharacter described, which may also be used to package fiat toy figureswhich may be manipulated by the child in association with thethree-dimensional form of the package after the record or other contentsthereof have been removed.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in parthereinafter pointed out.

In the drawing, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the flat laminar sheet blank inunfolded package form, and embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the package blank in set-upcondition and simulating a stage;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the sheet in completely folded,package form.

Essentially, the combination package and toy of the instant inventioncomprises a fiat laminate sheet made up of metal foil adhesively securedto a synthetic, flexible cushioning material such as polyurethane foam.The laminar sheet is die cut to provide a series of panel portionsintegrally hinged along fold lines which permits the several panelportions to be folded about a compartment panel which in turn is adaptedto receive therein a record, book or other flat object which is to bepackaged.

The package is readily opened by successively unfolding the severalpanel portions, which 'by reasons of their laminar constructiontend toregain any given folded position until manipulated to another foldedposition; to allow the contents of the compartment to be removed, aswell as any flat figure or toy objects which may have been initiallypackaged between the folded panel portions. The unfolded package isthereafter adapted to be manually manipulated to dispose the severalpanel portions in various selected three dimensional relationships toprovide simulated stage effects or the like, in accordance with themanipulative ability of the user.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, 10 designates the flat laminatesheet which is composed of a layer of metal foil such as aluminum foil,indicated at 11 and a layer of soft, cushioning material such asresilient synthetic polyurethane foam, indicated at 12; which layers aread hesively secured together throughout their contacting faces.

The sheet 10 is die cut to provide a central square of rectangularshaped panel 13; a pair of side panels 14, 15 hin edly connected to theside edges of panel 13 along fold lines as at 16, 17; an end panel 18 ofsquare or rectangular shape which is hingedly connected to one end edgeof central panel 13, along a fold line as at 19.

The end panel 18 has integrally and hingedly connected to the side edgesthereof, a pair of laterally related Wing panels 20, 21, along foldlines at as 22, 23 respectively. Thus, the end panel 18 may be foldedalong line 19 for movement toward and away from central panel 13; wingpanels 20, 21 may be folded along lines 22, 23 for movement toward andaway from end panel 18; and side panels 14, 15 may be folded along lines16, 17 for movement toward and away from central panel 13.

Extending from the other end edge of central panel 13 is a compartmentpanel generally designated at 24 and foldable along end edge fold line25 toward and away from the central panel 13. The compartment panel 24comprises superposed similar panel portions 26, 27 folded about edge 28.The panel portions 26, 27 are secured together along coterminous edgesas at 29, 30, as by adhesive, or the like, to leave the other side edges31, 32 of panel portions 26, 27 unsecured and forming an opening for aflat compartment 33 between said panel portions for receiving flatobjects, not shown, such as a record, book or the like.

The edge of panel portion 27 extends beyond the edge 31 of panel portion26 to form a flap 34 foldable about edge 31 into contact with marginalportions of panel portion 26 to close compartment 33.

When the record, or other object to be packaged, not shown, is insertedinto compartment 33 and flap 34 is folded to close said compartment, thecompartment panel 24 may then be folded about line 25 toward the centralpanel 13 bringing the inner surface of panel 24 into contact with theinner surface of central panel 13 comprising the exposed foam material12.

The panel portion 27 of compartment panel 24 will now be uppermost andside panels 14, 15 are folded toward each other along lines 16, 17respectively to bring their uppermost foam layer portions 12 intocontact with the metal foil layer portion 11 of the panel portion 27;the outer side edges of said side panels 14, 15 respectively beingdisposed in closely adjacent relation, as indicated in FIG. 5.

The thus composited compartment panel 24, central panel 13 and sidepanels 14, 15 are foldable as a unit toward end panel 18 along line 19,bringing the metal foil layer portions 11 of the side panels 14, 15 intocontact with the inner foam layer portion 12 of the end panel 18. Thewing panels 20, 21 may now be folded toward each other about lines 22,23 to bring their foam layer portions 12 into contact with the metalfoil layer portion 11 of central panel 13 and disposing the outer sideedges 20A and 21A of wing panels 20, 21 in opposed adjacent relation toeach other.

The completed package, wherein the compartment panel 24 is now enclosedand protected by the several panels 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 is shown inFIG. 5. Thus the record is well protected against damage in shipment orcarriage.

While the several panel portions of the thus completed package will tendto retain their respectively folded and superposed relation, a pressuresensitive tape section, not shown, may be used to bridge the adjacentpanel edges 20A and 21A. It will be apparent that the record or otherobject within compartment 33 is Well protected against breakage inshipment as well as being protected against heat, moisture and otherenvironmental conditions. Yet such package is light and compact due tothe relatively light gauge of metal foil 11 which may be of the order offrom 0.004" to 0.006", preferably about 0.005" and the thickness of foamlayer 12 which is of the order of from 0.100" to 0.200", preferably0.125".

The laminate of metal foil 11 and foam 12 tends to retain any shapeimparted to the flat sheet 10, as by folding the several panels 13, 14,15, 18, 20, 21 and 24 into selected spatial relationships.

The thus described package may also be used to enclose flat figuresindicated in dotted lines as at P, which may be interposed between theseveral overlying panel portions. Such flat figures F are formed of diecut laminar material which may also be made up of layers of metal foil11 and foam 12 adhesively secured together.

The package described above, is opened by reversing the steps of theprocedure set forth, thus allowing access to compartment 33 to permitthe record or other objects disposed therein, to be removed therefrom.At this time, the opened package is in the flat form indicated in FIG.1.

The thus opened package may now be manually manipulated to bring theseveral panels 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 and the compartment panel 24 intoa selected threedimensional relationship; one example being shown inFIG. 4.

Thus, end panel 18 is noW in an upstanding position to form a simulatedbackdrop of a simulated stage with the wing panels 20, 21 angularlyrelated to panel 18 as desired. Side panels 14, 15 may represent thewings of the forestage represented by central panel 13.

Compartment panel 24 provides an apron for the three dimensionalstructure.

The thus exposed foam layer 12 of the set up panels 13, 14, 15, 18, 20and 21 lend themselves to coloring and ornamentation as desired, to suita particular theme which may be dictated by the record or book, notshown carried in the package. The figures F may also be manipulated onthe resultant stage structure, as desired.

In lieu of polyurethane foam, cushioning layer 12 may be formed of feltor the like which will protect the contents of compartment 33 againstbreakage.

The compartment panel 24 may be separated from the remaining panels bycutting along fold line 25, thus providing a segregated protectivepackage for a record or other flat object.

As various changes might be made in the embodiment of the inventionherein disclosed'without departing from the spirit thereof, it isunderstood that all matter herein described shall be deemed illustrativeand not limiting except as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: i

1. A combination package and toy comprising a laminated fiat sheetcomprising a flexible layer of 'metal foil and a layer of resilient,cellular cushioning material adhesively secured thereto, said sheetincluding a plurality of integrally hingedly connected panels comprisinga central rectangular panel, a pair of side panels hingedly connected toside edges of said central panel along fold lines, an end panel hingedlyconnected to one end edge of said central panel along a fold line, apair of laterally related wing panels respectively hinged to the sideedges of said end panel along fold lines, and a flat compartment panelfor receiving flat objects therein hingedly connected to the other endedge of said central panel along a' fold fold line, said compartmentpanel being foldable into contact with the inner surface of said centralpanel, said side panels being foldable into contact with the outersurface of said compartment panel, the composited central, compartmentand side panels being foldable into contact with the inner surface ofsaid end panel, said wing panels being foldable into contact with theouter surface of said'end panel whereby to protect the object withinsaid compartment panel, said-end, Wing and side panels being movablealong respective fold lines to selected hinged positions relative tosaid central panel and the said adhesively secured metal foil andcushioning material being effective to retain said panels in suchselected positions.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said metal foil is of a thickness offrom about 0.004" to about 0.006 and provides the outer layer of saidlaminar sheet and said cellular layer is of a thickness of about 0.100"to about 0.200" and provides the inner layer of said laminar sheet.

3. A device as in claim 2 wherein said compartment panel comprises apair of opposed rectangular panel elements secured together along outerand inner end edges and along one side edge thereof, the unsecured edgesalong the other side edge thereof providing an opening for insertingsaid flat object into said compartment.

4. A device as in claim 3 wherein the cushioning ma- .terial on opposedpanel elements comprises inner opposed.

layers of resilient foamed material and outer layers of said metal foil,the opposed layers of foamed material being adapted to receive a fiatobject in cushioning relation thereto.

5. A sheet member convertible into a package, said sheet membercomprising a laminate including a layer of metal foil and a layer offlexible, resilient synthetic foam adhesively secured to said foil, saidlaminate comprising a rectangular shaped central panel, a pair of sidepanels hingedly and integrally connected to the respective sides of saidcentral panel, an end panel hingedly and integrally connected to one endedge of said central panel, a pair of rectangular shaped wing panelshingedly and integrally connected to the respective side edges of saidend panel, and a compartment panel hingedly and integrally connected tothe other end edge of said central panel, said compartment panelcomprising opposed panel portions secured together about coterminousedges thereof while leaving an opening for access to a compartmentformed between said opposed panel portions, said compartment, end, sideand wing panels being foldable into superposed relationship to saidcentral panel and to each other to forma multipanel package, thelaminate of metal foil and foam layers tending to retain the severalpanels in their folded condition.

6. A sheet member convertible into a package for a flat object, saidsheet member comprising a laminate including a layer of metal foil and alayer of flexible, resilient synthetic foam adhesively secured thereto,said laminate including a plurality of panels integrally and rd EBhingedly connected together along fold lines, one of said panelscomprising a pair of opposed panel portions secured together about aportion of the periphery thereof and unsecured about the remainder ofthe periphery thereof with the foam layers thereof in opposed relationto form a compartment for receiving said flat object, said panels beingfoldable about hinged fold line connections thereof into enclosingrelation to said compartment panel.

7. A sheet member as in claim 6 wherein the foam layer is polyurethaneand provides the inner surface of said laminate and the metal foil layerprovides the outer surface of said laminate in the folded conditionthereof, said panels being foldable about said fold lines into selectedspatial relation to each other to provide a three dimensional toy, thelaminate of metal foil and foam of said panels being effective to retainsaid panels in their selected spatial relation to each other.

8. A sheet member as in claim 6 wherein the layer of metal foil has athickness of from .004 to .006"; and the foam layer has a thickness offrom .100 to .200".

9. A one piece package for a record comprising a laminated blankcomprising a layer of metal foil and a 5 forming a compartmenttherebetween for receiving a record therein, the remaining panels beingadapted to be successively folded about their fold lines into overlyingand enclosing relation to said compartment panel portions with the metalfoil layer of said blank outermost.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,523,283 1/1925Powers 46-13 2,636,312 4/1953 Martin 46-11 2,773,327 12/1956 McCormick4611 X 2,902,396 9/ 1959 Reynold. 2,931,557 4/ 1960 Loderhouse.3,003,977 10/1961 HurWitZ et al.

20 F. BARRY SHAY, Primary Examiner.

L. J. BOVASSO, Assistant Examiner.

9. A ONE PIECE PACKAGE FOR A RECORD COMPRISING A LAMINATED BLANKCOMPRISING A LAYER OF METAL FOIL AND A LAYER OF FLEXIBLE, RESILIENT,CELLULAR CUSHIONING MATERIAL ADHERED THERETO, SAID BLANK COMPRISING ASERIES OF HINGEDLY AND INTEGRALLY RELATED PANELS DEFINED BY FOLD LINES,ONE OF SAID PANELS COMPRISING A PAIR OF OPPOSED PANEL PORTIONS FORMING ACOMPARTMENT THEREBETWEEN FOR RECEIVING A RECORD THEREIN, THE REMAININGPANELS BEING ADAPTED TO BE